Consistent with the ADMM guiding principles of open and outward looking, the 2nd ADMM in Singapore in 2007 adopted the ADMM-Plus Concept Paper.The ADMM-Plus process is a tool to engage ASEAN Dialogue Partners in dialogue and cooperation on defence and security matters. In preparing for the establishment of an ADMM-Plus, the Concept Paper on ADMM-Plus Principles for Membership was adopted by the 3rd ADMM in Pattaya in 2009; followed by the Concept Paper on ADMM-Plus: Configuration and Composition and the Concept Paper on ADMM-Plus: Modalities and Procedures, which were adopted by the 4th ADMM in Ha Noi in 2010.

The Inaugural ADMM-Plus was convened in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, on 12 October 2010. At the Inaugural ADMM-Plus, the Defence Ministers agreed on five areas of practical cooperation to pursue under this new mechanism. These areas are maritime security, counter-terrorism, disaster management, peacekeeping operations and military medicine. To facilitate cooperation on these areas, five Experts' Working Groups (EWGs) are established. Practical cooperation is now moving apace on the five priority areas.

As the ADMM-Plus cooperation is progressing significantly, the ASEAN Defence Ministers agreed to increase the frequency of the ADMM-Plus to once every two years. The biennial meeting of the ADMM-Plus will afford the Defence Ministers the opportunity to review the progress of ADMM-Plus cooperative activities more regularly and enable more in-depth high-level dialogue to address current and emerging security challenges of mutual concern. The 6th ADMM in Phnom Penh on 29 May 2012 adopted the Concept Paper on Review of Frequency of ADMM-Plus Meetings.

The ADMM-Plus countries have also agreed to hold the first ever ADMM-Plus HADR/Military Medicine Exercise in Brunei Darussalam from 16-20 June 2013 to be held back-to-back with the 2ndASEAN Militaries HADR Exercise (AHX).

The 2nd ADMM-Plus will be convened in Brunei Darussalam in October 2013.